neural explanation

• What are the current areas of interest regarding neural differences in the brains of criminals and non-criminals?

  Amygdala and frontal lobes
• What is the role of the amygdala in the brain?


  It is key in our ability to regulate emotion
• What happens when the amygdala is stimulated?

  It results in really violent behaviour
• What effect do lesions of the amygdala have on behaviour?

  They greatly reduce violent behaviour
• What did Groves find regarding amygdalectomy and aggression?

  It greatly reduces levels of aggression in patients
• What does Groves' finding support regarding the amygdala?

  It supports the theory that the amygdala plays an important role in aggressive behaviour
• What did Wong find about the amygdala in violent criminals?

  Violent criminals tended to have a smaller amygdala than non-criminals
• How does Wong's finding contradict Groves' evidence?


  It suggests that the exact role of the amygdala is still very unclear
• What did Raine identify in offenders charged with murder or manslaughter?

  Abnormally functioning brain regions
• What method did Raine use to study the brain activity of murderers?

  He used PET scans
• How many murderers were studied by Raine, and what was their gender composition?

  41 murderers, including 2 females
• What areas of the brain showed reduced activity in the offender group compared to the control group?

  The prefrontal cortex and corpus callosum
• What abnormalities were found in the activity of the amygdala in violent offenders?

  There were abnormalities in the activity of the amygdala
• What do Raine's findings suggest about the brains of violent offenders?

  They suggest that the brains of offenders are slowed and unable to make swift decisions
• What is the implication of the findings regarding offenders' ability to control their behaviour?

  They may struggle to consider the consequences of their actions